Question on the attack on Driffield airfield on August 15th 1940

[Juha]

Hello
once more a question about the attack on Driffield airfield on August 15th 1940. Is there any indication that the British had prior knowledge on this attack? Or was it pure chance that on Aug. 14th they ordered a Defence Practice on 15th “for all Defence Personnel, Gas, Fire, Stretcher Bearers etc, etc” ? Info of the order from the After Order To Daily Routine Order Serial No 225 Date 14/8/40 from the RAF Station Driffield ORB.

TIA
Juha

[Chris Goss]

The whole sector weas on alert that day following the earlier attack by KG 26 and the inconclusive feint by He 115s. Post attack recovery was a regular practice at RAF stations following experiences further south. If they had been alerted, there would have been more fighters committed and greater German losses!

[Juha]

Thanks Chris
There was the movement of the ”B” Flight of 73 Sqn from Church Fenton to Leconfield in the morning of 15th for the protection of the convoy Arena, or that was at least the official reason for the movement. But of course the fact that the “A” Flight of 73 Sqn was kept circling over Church Fenton after the scramble indicates that the target was not known. Luck/chance also has its place in the history.

Thankfully
Juha